Travel and Places

Baton Rouge’s 5 most bizarre bridges

Baton Rouge, LA – In a city known for its unusual water towers, it’s no surprise that Baton Rouge’s bridges are just as peculiar. While they serve their purpose, these structures have gained notoriety for their bizarre designs and the unique challenges they present to motorists and bicyclists. Here’s a look at the five “worst” bridges in Baton Rouge, as told by those who brave them daily.

1. The Spaghetti Junction Bridge
Described as a “bowl of noodles turned into infrastructure,” this bridge is a maze of intertwining ramps and lanes. “I needed a GPS, a compass, and a prayer to get through it the first time,” chuckles Sarah, a local motorist. The City Infrastructure Manager admits, “We might’ve gotten carried away with the design, but hey, it’s a conversation starter!”

2. The See-Saw Bridge
Yes, you read that right. This bridge actually tilts up and down, depending on the weight distribution of vehicles. “It’s like an amusement park ride, except you’re in your car and late for work,” says Mike, a daily commuter. The City Infrastructure Manager comments, “It’s all about balance, in bridges and life.”

3. The Musical Bridge
As vehicles drive over this bridge, it plays a tune. The catch? The melody changes daily, ranging from classical to heavy metal. “I never know if I’m going to be serenaded or screamed at,” laughs Jenna, a bicyclist. “Our city has a rich musical heritage, so why not a bridge that sings?” quips the City Infrastructure Manager.

4. The Rainbow Bridge
Painted in every color imaginable, this bridge is a bright spot, literally. However, the paint is solar-reflective, causing some…dazzling effects. “I thought I’d entered a disco in broad daylight,” exclaims Greg, a bewildered motorist. “We wanted to add some color to the commute,” says the City Infrastructure Manager, “Maybe we went a bit overboard.”

5. The Invisible Bridge
This bridge uses a special reflective material, making it nearly invisible against the sky. “The first time I approached it, I thought it was a road to nowhere,” says Emily, a local cyclist. “Invisibility was perhaps too ambitious for a bridge,” admits the City Infrastructure Manager with a sheepish grin.

In Baton Rouge, crossing a bridge is never just crossing a bridge. It’s an adventure, a challenge, and sometimes a test of one’s sanity. The City Infrastructure Manager concludes, “Our bridges may be bizarre, but they’re also a symbol of our city’s creativity and boldness. Plus, they keep life interesting!”

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.